How much does camping cost at Mcgee Creek?

Camping fees at Mcgee Creek range from $35/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Mcgee Creek first-come first-served or reservation?

Mcgee Creek accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Mcgee Creek before I book?

Yes! Mcgee Creek has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Mcgee Creek?

Mcgee Creek is open Peak season runs from April 25 to October 25.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Mcgee Creek?

Mcgee Creek does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Mcgee Creek?

Fire policies at Mcgee Creek: Firewood is sold on-site, and fire restrictions may be applied during dry weather.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Mcgee Creek have?

Mcgee Creek has 28 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Mcgee Creek?

Pets are not allowed at Mcgee Creek. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Mcgee Creek?

Mcgee Creek offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Mcgee Creek?

Popular activities at Mcgee Creek include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Wildlife Viewing, Climbing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Mcgee Creek

4.71

166 reviews

INYO, CA, USA

Scenic ViewsFishing

Featured in:Best Campgrounds California Family-Friendly Campgrounds California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

7,600 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

28 campsites

Season

Open season: April 2...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation Resource Management Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

7,600 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

28 campsites

Season

Open season: April 2...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation Resource Management Official Website

Get Directions

Mcgee Creek

$35.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Recreation Use Fee: $35 for standard nonelectric sites during peak season. Reservation fees may apply: $8 online/app, $9 contact center, and $3...

Standard Site Fee$35.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

760-935-4213

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What Campers Say

4.71

Top-Rated

Based on 166 reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanrestroomswater

"User reviews for McGee Creek Campground are overwhelmingly positive, with frequent praise for the cleanliness of the facilities, the picturesque setting, and the helpfulness of the camp hosts. Common themes include the stunning views, the quiet and peaceful atmosphere, and the campground's convenience as a base for exploring the eastern Sierras."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

INYO, CA, USA

Mcgee Creek

INYO, CA, USA

Nearby places

Mammoth Lakes: 8 miles/approx. 15 minutes

Bishop: 37 miles/approx. 40 minutes.

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies can be found in Mammoth Lakes, 8 miles away, which include groceries, camping gear, and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Mcgee Creek

Fall offers the best combination of stable weather and scenery. September through early October brings daytime highs in the mid-50s to mid-60s°F and nights dropping to the 20s and 30s°F. Aspens peak during this window, trails stay open, and crowds thin out. Summer sees warmer days but windy afternoons that can disrupt tent camping. Multiple reviewers warn about wind: stake tents firmly, weigh down tablecloths, and fold chairs if you leave camp. The elevation keeps nights cool year-round.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 6% in CA

Fall noted as particularly beautiful with vibrant aspen colors and pleasant conditions.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season runs from April 25 to October 25.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season: April 25 – October 25; Closed for reservations out of season.

About Mcgee Creek

McGee Creek Campground sits at 7,600 feet between Bishop and Mammoth Lakes, offering 28 sites where high desert meets alpine wilderness. The campground is a trailhead for the John Muir Wilderness, with flush toilets, running water, and helpful camp hosts managing a consistently clean operation. Sites cost $35 per night and accommodate RVs up to 28 feet.

McGee Creek Campground offers a mix of camping accommodations, including sites for tents and RVs. The campground is primarily designed for traditional camping experiences with minimal additional facilities.

Historical Significance

The campground sits at the boundary of the John Muir Wilderness, named for the naturalist who championed Sierra Nevada conservation in the late 1800s. The granite canyons and peaks above camp represent the landscapes Muir described in his writing and fought to protect through the early environmental movement.

Weather and SeasonsFall offers the best combination of stable weather and scenery. September through early October brings daytime highs in the mid-50s to mid-60s°F and nights dropping to the 20s and 30s°F. Aspens peak during this window, trails stay open, and crowds thin out. Summer sees warmer days but windy afternoons that can disrupt tent camping. Multiple reviewers warn about wind: stake tents firmly, weigh down tablecloths, and fold chairs if you leave camp. The elevation keeps nights cool year-round.

ElevationPerched at 7,600 feet where the air grows thin and the views grow infinite, McGee Creek Campground offers a true high-altitude escape. This elevation brings its own rewards: temperatures that provide relief from valley heat, air so clear you can count the ridgelines stretching to the horizon, and that particular quality of mountain light that makes every sunrise and sunset feel like a private show. Here, you'll sleep closer to the stars and wake to mornings crisp enough to see your breath mingle with the mountain mist.

Natural Features and ScenerySagebrush and aspen groves frame the campground, with McGee Creek running through the canyon below. The setting blends open, sun-exposed terrain with pockets of aspens that turn gold in fall. Granite peaks rise directly above camp, their snow-streaked faces visible from most sites. The landscape lacks dense tree cover, which means expansive views but also relentless wind on gusty afternoons. Reviewers consistently praise the scenery, though several note you'll want shade structures since natural cover is sparse.

Geological RegionThe eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains reveal Earth's raw power in every vista. This is a landscape sculpted by ice and time, where massive glaciers once carved deep canyons and polished granite faces to a mirror shine. Lofty peaks pierce the sky at over 14,000 feet, their snow-capped summits feeding the streams below. The dramatic escarpment of the Eastern Sierra rises abruptly from the high desert, creating one of the most spectacular mountain frontiers in North America. Here, geological forces have created a vertical world of alpine lakes, hanging valleys, and knife-edge ridges that challenge and inspire all who venture into their midst.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in begins at noon.

Check-out

Sites must be vacated by noon.

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

One RV with tow vehicle or one vehicle per tent site. Most sites accommodate one extra vehicle for an additional fee.

Groups

There is no mention of designated group camping sites at McGee Creek Campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe 28 sites form a loop, with outer positions more spacious and private than interior spots. Sites are roomy enough for three to four backpacking tents and handle RVs up to 28 feet. Some campers mention overgrown vegetation encroaching on certain sites.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online, mobile app, or contact center.

Walk-in AvailabilityReserved sites held until noon the day following arrival; walk-up availability possible depending on forfeited reservations.

Cancellation Policy$10 cancellation fee applies, and late cancellations may forfeit the first night's recreation use fee. Changes also incur a $10 fee if new dates are outside the original dates.

AccessibilityDetails about specific accessibility features, such as ADA-compliant facilities, are not explicitly mentioned in the available information.

Site SizeCampsites are generally described as roomy and able to accommodate tents and RVs up to 28 feet. Specific reviews highlight that individual campsites are well-spaced and can handle multiple tents, with one user stating, 'The campgrounds have enough room to accommodate 3-4 backpacking tents.

PrivacyThe privacy of campsites varies but is noted as generally good, especially on the outer ring of the campground. One review noted, 'All the outer ring sites have a great view and seem to afford a good bit of privacy.' However, the central sites provide less privacy due to the absence of trees between them.

Total Campsites28 campsites

Recommended SitesSites backing up to McGee Creek, such as 027 and 028, are recommended for privacy and creek views.

Need help booking Mcgee Creek?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Potable water

Flush toilets

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

McGee Creek Campground is a hub for numerous outdoor activities that cater to a variety of interests. The proximity to McGee Creek and Crowley Lake offers exceptional trout fishing opportunities. The nearby McGee Creek Trailhead provides access to hiking and horseback riding trails within the John Muir Wilderness. Rock climbing, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing are also popular activities in the area.

Hiking

Climbing

Fishing

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWind can damage tents; bears are known to visit campsites seeking food.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are provided at each site to store food and protect campers from wildlife.

Fire PolicyFirewood is sold on-site, and fire restrictions may be applied during dry weather.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are observed at night.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services are in Mammoth Lakes, approximately 8 miles away, which include hospitals, police stations, and ranger stations.

Trash & RecyclingInformation about trash and recycling facilities, including availability and collection schedules, is not provided.

Water FeaturesMcGee Creek flows alongside the campground with some sites adjacent to the creek. Crowley Lake is nearby.

Camp HostCamp hosts are known for maintaining clean facilities and being friendly and helpful.

Weather at Mcgee Creek

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.7

166 reviews

Top-Rated

Mcgee Creek is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for McGee Creek Campground are overwhelmingly positive, with frequent praise for the cleanliness of the facilities, the picturesque setting, and the helpfulness of the camp hosts. Common themes include the stunning views, the quiet and peaceful atmosphere, and the campground's convenience as a base for exploring the eastern Sierras.

Review Summaries

Based on 166 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights from reviews include the immaculate cleanliness of the restrooms and campsites, the stunning natural surroundings, and the friendliness of the camp hosts. One user noted, 'The bathrooms...

Based on 166 reviews

Common Concerns

The most common complaints include issues with high winds affecting tent camping, discrepancies in RV site sizes, and occasional overgrowth at campsites. One reviewer pointed out, 'It was SO windy...

Based on 166 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing shade structures due to limited natural tree cover and being prepared for windy conditions. A notable tip was, 'Stake your tent, tack down your tablecloth, and fold up your...

Based on 166 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Seasonal trends indicate that spring and fall are particularly beautiful times to visit, with wildflowers blooming in spring and vibrant fall colors in the aspen trees. Summer visits are popular but...

Based on 166 reviews

Camper Quotes

'McGee Creek is a beautiful campground. Restroom are clean. Quiet and peaceful all day long.' - Maryna H. 'Loved the campground, will be back.' - Jamie I. 'Great location for hiking and fishing!' -...

Based on 166 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Certain campsites are highlighted for their specific features. Site 028 is praised for its privacy and proximity to the creek, while outer ring sites are noted for their great views. A reviewer...

Based on 166 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not specifically addressed in user reviews, making it unclear how well the campground accommodates individuals with disabilities.

Based on 166 reviews